PUNTERS fear William Haggas’ superstar horse Economics will ‘never see a racecourse again’ – after worrying footage of him at Ascot emerged.
The Irish Champion Stakes winner was a big drifter in the market for the blockbuster £1.3million Champion Stakes last Saturday.
PALegendary trainer William Haggas, left, has a huge call to make on the future of Group 1-winning superstar Economics, after he bled from the nostrils following his run in the Champion Stakes at Ascot[/caption]
Despite hardening before the off into 2-1 he could only manage sixth behind shock 40-1 winner Anmaat.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
Exclusive insights from Andrew Balding and Hayley Turner
VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
But it was what the cameras caught after the race – rather than anything that happened in it – that worried punters.
Racing TV captured the moment Maureen Haggas – William’s wife and the daughter of legendary jockey Lester Pigott – wiped blood from the horse’s nose after the race.
This is the second time it has happened with Economics, who is just 14-1 with Ladbrokes for next year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
He also bled after hacking up in York’s Dante Stakes – the key Derby trial – last May.
Economics never ran in the Derby the following month but nabbed his first Group 1 in a thrilling finish against Auguste Rodin at Leopardstown last month.
All looked well after that and he went to Ascot to lock horns with French superstar Calandagan.
But the battle never truly materialised and now, after bleeding for a second time, there are huge doubts over the horse’s future.
Horses bleeding from the nostrils is bad because it indicates an issue in their lungs, and subsequently their breathing.
Commenting on the footage that has been shared widely, Nick Luck said at the time: “This is clearly an issue.
“It is very difficult when they have done it, not once but twice, to master and stay on top of.
“He’s been managed brilliantly and it’s a problem once it happens – it’s more likely than not to recur.”
Haggas has since said that perhaps he was wrong to run Economics on the soft ground, despite initially thinking he would go well on it.
Punters didn’t like the footage though and expressed fears over the three-year-old colt’s future.
One said: “Never sees a racetrack again.”
Another said: “Top horse. Sad to see the fragility.”
One comment read: “Doubt you’ll ever see him race again.”
While a fourth said: “I highly doubt we will see Economics again on a racecourse.”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.